#24: Krista Jones on the future of work, the intersection of people with digital transformation, and how Canada can be competitive globally

Dec 8, 2022

Krista Jones (BScEE'88) has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses for over 30 years. She leverages her deep entrepreneurial and leadership experience to advise founders, inspire teams and create programs to scale Canada’s most innovative companies. Currently Senior VP of Ventures Services at MaRS Discovery District, she recently founded MaRS Momentum, an exclusive program that supports the executives of high-growth companies and accelerates their journey to $100 million in revenue. Krista is relied on as thought leader in the “Future of Work” by organizations from all around the world. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor and expert problem solver, she has a unique combination of expertise and is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, business models and innovation practices. 

In this episode:   

• How Krista gained the confidence to go big on projects and ideas. 
• Going deep in different areas of MaRS and supporting entrepreneurs. 
• The future of jobs and how people can use tech while keeping the focus on people. 
• How automation – or rather augmentation - plays a role in the evolution of jobs.  
• Why companies are making short-term decisions right now. 
• Krista dives into the Momentum program to help solve Canada’s productivity gap. 
• How to close the innovation loop. 
• Why Canada should embrace the success metrics of good, better, best. 
• The challenges that persist in Canada when it comes to joining the global competition. 
• What Krista is excited about for the future.  

Links and resources:   

MaRS Discovery  

Krista’s LinkedIn 

UNB article on Krista and the future of work 

Krista’s article in The Record 

Thanks to:   

Our alumni host, Katie Davey 

Music by alumni artist, Beats of Burden  

Our alumni Affinity Partners, TD Insurance and Manulife 

To listen to UNBeknownst and for more info on the podcast, the hosts and how to subscribe to new episode alerts, visit our website